Russell Westbrook, Ben Simmons nowhere to be found as camps begin

Training camps are opening across the NBA, and two very familiar names remain on the sidelines.

Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons — both former All-Stars, both once cornerstones of franchises — are still without teams. And yes, that’s newsworthy.

Westbrook, a future Hall of Famer and former MVP, remains unsigned as of Saturday, with most teams set to open camp on Monday.

Simmons, a former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star, is in the same boat. For players of their stature, this kind of limbo is rare.

“I like both players, and I think they could help us,” one NBA scout told Hoops Wire. “But honestly, no longer on anything more than minimum salaries. They’re limited in what they can do nowadays.”

That’s the heart of it. Both players are believed to be seeking more than veteran-minimum money, but teams simply aren’t lining up to meet those demands.

For Westbrook, 35, there’s the reality that his explosive athleticism — once his calling card — has waned.

For Simmons, it’s about availability and fit, with persistent questions about his shooting and overall health.

“Look, this isn’t 2017 or 2019 anymore,” another scout said. “If Westbrook goes unsigned, or Simmons, it’s not that big of a deal. You can find younger guys like them for cheaper.

“It’s nothing personal. Everyone gets old. And with Simmons, there are some major flaws there that aren’t ever going away.”

Could one or both eventually latch on? Almost certainly. But no one appears to be in a rush. And with camps about to begin, that in itself speaks volumes.